espousal

American  

[ih-spou-zuhl, -suhl] / ɪˈspaʊ zəl, -səl /

noun

1. adoption or advocacy, as of a cause or principle.

2. Sometimes espousals.

   1. a marriage ceremony.

   2. an engagement or betrothal celebration.

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espousal British  

/ ɪˈspaʊzəl /

noun

1. adoption or support

   an espousal of new beliefs

2. archaic (sometimes plural) a marriage or betrothal ceremony

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Other Word Forms

• nonespousal noun

Etymology

Origin of espousal

1275–1325; Middle English espousaille < Middle French, Old French espousailles < Latin spōnsālia (noun use of neuter plural of spōnsālis ), equivalent to spōns ( us ) spouse + -ālia -al ²

Example Sentences

“This repertoire — with its contrapuntal extravaganzas, its antiphonal balances, its espousal of instruments that chuff and wheeze and speak directly to a microphone — was made for stereo,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

“The word took on negative connotations as it was applied first to hypocritical patriots — those who espoused loyalty to the Crown but whose actions belied that espousal,” the dictionary further explained.

From Los Angeles Times

House Democrats signaled they plan to push ahead with a vote to strip committee assignments from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for her espousal of conspiracy theories and moves that have threatened some of her colleagues.

From Washington Times

They have been urged on by Mr. Trump, whose own espousal of conspiracy theories and continual railing against the political establishment have cleared a path for QAnon candidates.

From New York Times

Girl Power was a bogus PR ploy, Geri’s espousal of Thatcherism was absurd, and all that cavorting with Nelson Mandela at the famous 1997 press call was just the bloody end.

From The Guardian